Nakano fast in dry, but Jacque needs rain.

Kawasaki's Shinya Nakano mastered a day of changeable weather conditions to finish sixth fastest after today's opening free practice sessions at Le Mans.

Nakano was easily in the top ten, both in the dry morning session and also in the one hour afternoon session, which was hit by rain halfway through.

"It was a strange day with the weather, but I'm very positive about our dry track performance, especially in the morning session," he said afterwards. "The latest engine parts have improved acceleration and throttle response, which are critical on this track.

"The Ninja ZX-RR is now much improved over the bike I raced here one year ago. My main work tomorrow will be on throttle connection and front-end turn-in for all the slow corners at Le Mans. And I'm more comfortable in the wet here than I was in China," he added.

But while Nakano was happy with his performance in the dry, temporary team-mate Olivier Jacque was praying for rain.

Jacque's wish is based on his lack of dry track testing since he was ushered in to replace the injured Alex Hofmann. Even so, OJ sliced one-second from his time in the morning session during the early dry laps of afternoon free practice.

However, the 31-year-old Frenchman, who will attract massive local support for his home race on Sunday, feels much more comfortable on a wet track. No surprise after he splashed his way to second, just behind Valentino Rossi, in China.

"I need more testing on a dry track, so I can more fully understand the bike and the set-up, that is clear after today. I am more comfortable in the wet, so now I'm hoping for rain over the weekend," he confirmed. "In the wet the rider can make a big difference; in the dry the riders' influence is important, but less than in the rain.

"My lap time is improving every time I go out, but with a four-stroke MotoGP bike engine braking, throttle and suspension settings are critical for maximum dry track performance. It's my home race, but I'm focussed and not feeling any pressure," he added.

At the stop-go Bugatti circuit the factory Ninja ZX-RR machines continue to benefit from a new drive-by-wire throttle and injection system. Introduced for the Chinese race, the system includes revised electronics, plus throttle bodies, fuel injectors and injector pumps.

"In the dry Shinya's position appears very good, and we still have some further adjustments to make to the new injection system for tomorrow," revealed technical director Ichiro Yoda.

"Olivier is more comfortable in the wet, so we are looking at the data from his bike to adjust the engine braking and throttle settings to improve his dry track performance.

"My main concern is the uncertain weather conditions, especially if it is half-dry and half-wet. Just as in China, it appears we have very good wet tyre options from Bridgestone for this race," added the Japanese.